What Is Closed During 2026 New Year in Japan?
Lio
A Practical Guide for Foreigners Living in Japan
New Year is the most important holiday in Japan, and it can be surprising—even inconvenient—for foreigners experiencing it for the first time.
If you’re wondering what is closed during New Year in Japan, this guide will help you prepare and avoid common problems.
Whether you live in Japan or just arrived, understanding New Year closures is essential for daily life.
In my personal experience
People like me, typical Japanese, rarely go shopping from January 1 to January 3. It’s customary for us to stay home, relax, and watch TV during the New Year holidays.
However, convenience stores are usually open even on January 1. As long as there is a convenience store, you can buy most daily necessities.
In addition, chain restaurants such as gyudon (beef bowl) shops and family restaurants are open, so eating out is generally not a problem.
This was unthinkable during Japan’s Showa era, so we are truly grateful for this convenience today.
Lio Representative
BANSO Works
I am a Tokyo-born Japanese professional who has lived in five countries and studied intercultural communication at university. I am a nationally certified Career Consultant in Japan and a behavioral psychology specialist, with HR experience at four major Japanese companies. This background enables me to provide practical, experience-based insights into Japanese workplace culture.
Why New Year in Japan Is Different
Unlike many Western countries where New Year’s Day is a single holiday, Japan’s New Year holiday (Shōgatsu) usually lasts from:
- December 29 or 30
- through January 3 (sometimes January 4)
During this period, many services completely stop, not just reduce hours.
Government Offices (Closed)
Closed:
- City halls
- Ward offices
- Immigration offices
- Tax offices
- Public service counters
📅 Closed period: December 29 – January 3
👉 You cannot:
- Register addresses
- Get certificates (resident records, tax documents)
- Process visas or paperwork
Tip: Do all official procedures before December 28.
Banks & ATMs (Mostly Closed)
Banks
- Closed from Dec 31 – Jan 3
- Some branches may close earlier
ATMs
- Many stop working temporarily
- Convenience store ATMs may:
- Have shorter hours
- Charge higher fees
- Stop during late nights
💡 Important:
Withdraw enough cash before December 30. Japan still relies heavily on cash, especially during holidays.
Hospitals & Clinics (Mostly Closed)
- Regular clinics: Closed
- Dental clinics: Closed
- Small hospitals: Closed
What stays open?
- Emergency hospitals
- On-call holiday clinics (limited)
🚑 If you get sick, finding care can be stressful.
Check your local city website in advance for holiday medical services.
Post Office & Delivery Services
Post Offices
- Closed from Dec 31 – Jan 3
- No counter services
Delivery
- Japan Post: Delayed
- Yamato / Sagawa: Limited operations
📦 Expect delivery delays for:
- Online shopping
- International mail
Shops & Restaurants (Mixed)
Closed or Limited
- Small family-owned restaurants
- Local shops
- Independent cafes
Usually Open
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Large shopping malls (from Jan 1 or 2)
- Supermarkets (shorter hours)
🛒 Supermarket tip:
On December 31, supermarkets are extremely crowded.
On January 1, many close or open very late.
Trains & Public Transportation (Running Normally)
Good news 🎉
- Trains and subways operate normally
- Some run all night on Dec 31 for temple visits (Hatsumode)
However:
- Reduced schedules on some local lines
- Tourist areas can be extremely crowded
Immigration & Visa Services (Closed)
Immigration offices are fully closed during New Year.
⚠️ If your:
- Visa
- Residence card
- Status renewal deadline
falls during this period, plan well in advance.
What Foreigners Should Prepare Before New Year
✔ Withdraw cash
✔ Buy food and daily necessities
✔ Finish government paperwork
✔ Check hospital information
✔ Expect slower services everywhere
Is Everything Closed in Japan During New Year?
Not everything—but essential services slow down significantly.
For many Japanese people, New Year is about:
- Family
- Tradition
- Rest
For foreigners, it’s a time that requires extra preparation.
Final Thoughts: First New Year in Japan?
If this is your first New Year in Japan, feeling confused or inconvenienced is completely normal.
Once you understand what is closed during New Year in Japan, the holiday becomes much easier—and even enjoyable.
You may even want to experience:
- Hatsumode (first shrine visit)
- Omikuji (fortune slips)
If you want to experience the New Year like the Japanese do, the best option is to stay home and take it easy.
